Although admittedly inspired by American V8s, engineers Fritz Fiedler and Werner Strobel at Horch innovated independently in their design of a 6.0-litre V12 for that company, launched in 1931. Horizontal valves were a feature, as were cylinder heads angled well away from the horizontal with respect to each cylinder bore.

From Chapter 7: Teutonic Twelves

Karl Ludvigsen

In addition to his motor industry activities as an executive (with GM, Fiat and Ford) and head of a consulting company, Karl Ludvigsen has been active for over 50 years as an author and historian. As an author, co-author or editor he has some four dozen books to his credit. Needless to say, they are all about cars and the motor industry, Karl's life-long passion.